Fans might remember him from two years ago, but singer Paul Akister cuts a very different figure on this series of X Factor.

The 25-year-old crooner from Lancaster was booted off before the live shows in 2012 but since then Paul has been working out and eating healthy to shed a whopping three and a half stone.

Personal trainer Neil Spooner approached Paul after spotting him on the show and immediately he knew that building up the singer’s confidence was the only way to help him.

“I knew I had the expertise to bring Paul out of his shell,” explains Neil.

“He needed a better self image. For me it wasn't about creating a pop star with a six-pack, it was about creating that confidence.”

Paul made it as far as the judges’ houses round in 2012 but was kicked out by Louis Walsh, who claimed he “wasn’t ready” for the live shows.

Neil, who only lives a few miles from Paul, convinced him to embark upon a strict diet and exercise regime to give him a better chance of winning this year and it looks like it has paid off.

“He’s been very focused and disciplined and now he’s a different character,” claims Neil, who put Paul on his Better Body 12-week fitness programme.

As well as watching what he eats, Paul has done circuit training and attended boot camp in an effort to shed the pounds.

"Paul and I developed a great friendship and this made him want to turn up to work out,” explains Neil.

“And the main reason why he's had success, is because he had a goal at the end of it.”

The 37-year-old trainer has even accompanied Paul to London to watch him take part in the lives shows, where the former pub singer has wowed audiences and judges alike.

And, according to Neil, it looks like Paul has no intention of giving up now: "To see a good friend who has come so far and is living his dreams – it’s a massive achievement for him on a personal level.”